Jacqueline Carlin was an American actress and model whose television work included appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Bronk. She is also remembered for her 1976–1980 marriage to comedian and actor Chevy Chase. Carlin died in 2021 at the age of 78.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Mary Carlin |
| Known As | Jacqueline Carlin |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Essex Fells, New Jersey, USA |
| Date of Death | July 1, 2021 |
| Place of Death | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 78 |
| Known For | Saturday Night Live, Thank God It’s Friday, Bronk |
| Spouse | Chevy Chase (1976–1980) |
| Other Spouse | Terry Melcher |
| Children | Ryan Melcher |
| Education | Mount Saint Dominic Academy; Immaculata Junior College |
| Parents | Edward Walter Carlin and Gertrude Elizabeth Johannesen |
| Notable Fact | She was the first female actor to appear on Saturday Night Live, in the “New Dad” sketch. |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Background
Jacqueline Mary Carlin was born on November 20, 1942, in Essex Fells, New Jersey. Public biographical records identify her parents as Edward Walter Carlin and Gertrude Elizabeth Johannesen. She attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, New Jersey, and later Immaculata Junior College in Washington, New Jersey.
Beyond these details, relatively little reliable information about Carlin’s childhood and early personal life has been widely documented. For that reason, claims about her upbringing or private background that are not supported by established sources are best left out.
Career and Television Work
Carlin worked as an actress and model during the 1970s. Her documented screen credits include the television series Bronk and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, as well as the 1978 disco comedy film Thank God It’s Friday.
One of the more notable details associated with her television career is her appearance on the first season of Saturday Night Live. According to her IMDb biography, Carlin was the first female actor to appear on the program, taking part in the “New Dad” sketch.
Her connection to Saturday Night Live also overlapped with her relationship with Chevy Chase, one of the show’s original performers.
Marriage to Chevy Chase
Carlin married Chevy Chase on December 4, 1976, making her his second wife. At the time, Chase was establishing himself as one of the leading performers from Saturday Night Live. Contemporary coverage from TIME described Carlin as a television actress and noted that she and Chase had married after his departure from the show.
The marriage did not last. Carlin filed for divorce in April 1978, and the couple later reconciled for a period before ultimately proceeding with the divorce. A Los Angeles judge granted the divorce in November 1980 and approved a $400,000 settlement for Carlin.
Carlin and Chase had no children together. Chase later married Jayni Luke in 1982.
Personal Life
Carlin was married three times, according to biographical records: first to Peter Byam Cannon, then to Chevy Chase, and later to musician and record producer Terry Melcher. She and Melcher had one son, Ryan Melcher.
Her marriage to Melcher also connected her to actress and singer Doris Day, Melcher’s mother. Carlin therefore became Day’s daughter-in-law during her marriage to Melcher.
Carlin largely remained outside the celebrity spotlight after her acting appearances and marriages, and reliable sources provide limited information about her later private life.
Death
Jacqueline Carlin died on July 1, 2021, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. She was 78. IMDb records cancer as the cause of death.
Interesting Facts
- Jacqueline Carlin was born in Essex Fells, New Jersey, in 1942.
- She appeared in the first season of Saturday Night Live.
- Her television credits included Bronk and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
- She appeared in the 1978 film Thank God It’s Friday.
- She was Chevy Chase’s second wife, with their marriage lasting from 1976 until 1980.
- She and Terry Melcher had a son, Ryan Melcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jacqueline Carlin?
Jacqueline Carlin was an American actress and model known for television appearances and her marriage to comedian Chevy Chase.
When was Jacqueline Carlin born?
Jacqueline Carlin was born on November 20, 1942, in Essex Fells, New Jersey.
Was Jacqueline Carlin married to Chevy Chase?
Yes. Carlin married Chevy Chase on December 4, 1976. Their divorce was finalized in November 1980.
Did Jacqueline Carlin and Chevy Chase have children?
No. The couple did not have children together.
What movies and TV shows did Jacqueline Carlin appear in?
Her documented credits include Thank God It’s Friday, Bronk and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. She also appeared on Saturday Night Live.
When did Jacqueline Carlin die?
Jacqueline Carlin died on July 1, 2021, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, at age 78.
Was Jacqueline Carlin related to comedian George Carlin?
No. Biographical records specifically note that Jacqueline Carlin was not related to comedian George Carlin.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Carlin’s public career was relatively brief, but her appearances on several notable television programs in the 1970s gave her a place in American entertainment history. She is perhaps best known today for her connection to the early Saturday Night Live era and her four-year marriage to Chevy Chase. Her life also included a later marriage to Terry Melcher and a son, Ryan Melcher, before her death in 2021.
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